11/09/2010

You'd Better Not Pout, I'm Tellin' You Why. Santah is Coming to Town!

Upon being asked to write a show preview for Santah's upcoming show at Chicago’s Empty Bottle on November 12th, my first initial thought was “OOH! I HOPE THIS IS A GROUP OF DUDES DRESSED UP LIKE SANTA CLAUSE SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS!” It’s not. After I got over my disappointment, I decided to actually give the album a shot.

I honestly did not expect this album to be bad by any means, mostly because Santah is represented by the same person who represents one of my favorite bands, drmanhattan. I was right. Santah has definitely earned a spot on my awesome list with their debut album White Noise Bed, and let me tell you, that’s a pretty tough list to get on. Amber Valentine has been trying for years!

Since I really like listening to albums out of order, (not really, my Zune software just puts the tracks in alphabetical order), the first song that caught my attention was “Chips of Paint”. Lead singer, Stan McConnell’s vocals appear to reach their full potential in this upbeat and rather catchy piece. To be perfectly honest, it reminds me a lot of Kings of Revlon, except when they were good. Regardless of any other bands this particular song may remind me of, it’s still quite good. It was definitely a fine start to the album. (For me, not for you. Your media player probably puts songs in album order!)

As the album continues, we listeners hear nothing but good things. “Cold Wave” is another one of those songs that makes me dance in my chair as I’m writing. Just in case you’re wondering, yes, I really am dancing while writing. Also, yes, it is kind of a challenge, but do you think that’s going to stop me?! Hellz no. I love a challenge. Oh right, music. I definitely feel like this song would be really awesome to hear live. I think it would be one of those songs that the crowd gets really excited for and everyone starts dancing immediately when the band plays the very first note.

At first, the album’s title track, “White Noise Bed”, was not one of my favorites. I don’t know why, I just wasn’t that fond of it. However, when I decided that I should probably mention it, it began to grow on me. I’ve become rather fond of this song, and I think you should too. I feel like it’s going to easily become one of my favorite “Sunny Day Driving” songs. It’s honestly fairly simple in its composition, but I feel like that’s what makes it such a damn good song.

Overall, I would say that Santah’s debut album is definitely worth checking out. If you like what you hear, you should most definitely hit up the previously mentioned show at The Empty Bottle in Chicago on November 12. Tickets are only $8! That’s a steal! Keep in mind that it’s a 21+ show, so if you’re like me and still underage, find a way to sneak in anyways, drink heavily, and enjoy some awesome music!

Editor's Note: It should be mentioned that not only is Santah playing this show at the Empty Bottle but so is Amber Valentien favorite David Vandervelde, who is an all around awesome indie popster. If Santah doesn't win your heart, Vandervelde most certainly will.